15 Fastest-Growing Cities in Canada in 2026

On This Page You Will Find

• The 15 fastest-growing cities in Canada by percentage growth
• The 15 fastest-growing cities in Canada by absolute population increase
• A comparison of growth rates and total population gains
• City portraits for each major growth centre
• What the numbers mean for immigrants and newcomers
• Why Alberta, Atlantic Canada and Ontario dominate the rankings
• Frequently asked questions about Canada’s fastest-growing cities

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Canada’s population growth has reshaped the country’s biggest cities, mid-sized centres and regional economies.

Between 2021 and 2025, major urban areas in Alberta, Atlantic Canada, Saskatchewan and Ontario recorded some of the strongest growth in the country. The trend shows where newcomers, workers, students and families are choosing to settle – and where employers, housing markets and public services face growing demand.

This updated ranking uses 2021 to 2025 population estimates for Canadian census metropolitan areas, or CMAs. A CMA includes a core city and surrounding communities tied to it by commuting, housing and labour market patterns.

The data shows two different stories.

By percentage growth, Moncton was Canada’s fastest-growing major urban area, expanding by 21.5 per cent between 2021 and 2025.

By absolute population increase, Toronto added the most people, growing by 635,923 residents over the same period.

Both rankings matter. Percentage growth shows momentum. Absolute growth shows scale.

Quick Answer: What Is The Fastest-Growing City In Canada?

Moncton, New Brunswick, was the fastest-growing Canadian census metropolitan area by percentage growth between 2021 and 2025. Its population increased from 161,376 to 196,143 – a gain of 34,767 people, or 21.5 per cent.

Toronto recorded the largest absolute population gain. Its population increased from 6,472,951 in 2021 to 7,108,874 in 2025 – a gain of 635,923 people.

Canada’s 15 Fastest-Growing Cities By Percentage Growth

Rank	City	2021 Population	2025 Population	Growth	Percentage Growth
1	Moncton, New Brunswick	161,376	196,143	+34,767	21.5%
2	Calgary, Alberta	1,540,242	1,836,012	+295,770	19.2%
3	Kitchener-Cambridge-Waterloo, Ontario	602,303	701,568	+99,265	16.5%
4	Saskatoon, Saskatchewan	328,256	378,475	+50,219	15.3%
5	Edmonton, Alberta	1,472,402	1,692,385	+219,983	14.9%
6	Oshawa, Ontario	433,529	493,441	+59,912	13.8%
7	Barrie, Ontario	222,065	252,446	+30,381	13.7%
8	Regina, Saskatchewan	257,368	291,187	+33,819	13.1%
9	Halifax, Nova Scotia	482,144	544,834	+62,690	13.0%
10	Fredericton, New Brunswick	111,017	125,303	+14,286	12.9%
11	Brantford, Ontario	156,714	176,307	+19,593	12.5%
12	Peterborough, Ontario	133,661	149,938	+16,277	12.2%
13	Ottawa-Gatineau, Ontario part	1,184,369	1,325,788	+141,419	11.9%
14	St. Catharines-Niagara, Ontario	450,926	503,670	+52,744	11.7%
15	London, Ontario	567,539	633,002	+65,463	11.5%

Canada’s 15 Fastest-Growing Cities By Absolute Population Increase

Rank	City	2021 Population	2025 Population	Population Increase	Percentage Growth
1	Toronto, Ontario	6,472,951	7,108,874	+635,923	9.8%
2	Vancouver, British Columbia	2,771,430	3,088,036	+316,606	11.4%
3	Calgary, Alberta	1,540,242	1,836,012	+295,770	19.2%
4	Montréal, Quebec	4,330,143	4,597,837	+267,694	6.2%
5	Edmonton, Alberta	1,472,402	1,692,385	+219,983	14.9%
6	Ottawa-Gatineau, Ontario/Quebec	1,540,340	1,700,014	+159,674	10.4%
7	Ottawa-Gatineau, Ontario part	1,184,369	1,325,788	+141,419	11.9%
8	Kitchener-Cambridge-Waterloo, Ontario	602,303	701,568	+99,265	16.5%
9	Winnipeg, Manitoba	860,237	951,758	+91,521	10.6%
10	London, Ontario	567,539	633,002	+65,463	11.5%
11	Halifax, Nova Scotia	482,144	544,834	+62,690	13.0%
12	Oshawa, Ontario	433,529	493,441	+59,912	13.8%
13	Quebec City, Quebec	844,774	903,607	+58,833	7.0%
14	St. Catharines-Niagara, Ontario	450,926	503,670	+52,744	11.7%
15	Saskatoon, Saskatchewan	328,256	378,475	+50,219	15.3%

What The Rankings Show

Canada’s fastest-growing cities fall into three broad groups.

First, Alberta’s two biggest cities continue to expand quickly. Calgary and Edmonton both appear near the top of the percentage growth ranking and the absolute growth ranking. This reflects strong labour markets, interprovincial migration, relatively younger populations and continued newcomer settlement.

Second, Atlantic Canada has become a major growth story. Moncton, Halifax and Fredericton all appear in the percentage ranking. Moncton’s 21.5 per cent growth rate makes it the strongest performer in the country by proportional growth.

Third, Ontario’s mid-sized and outer Greater Toronto Area cities continue to grow quickly. Kitchener – Cambridge – Waterloo, Oshawa, Barrie, Brantford, Peterborough, London and St. Catharines – Niagara all recorded strong gains. These cities benefit from access to larger labour markets, universities, transport links and relatively lower housing costs compared with central Toronto.

The absolute growth ranking tells a different story. Toronto, Vancouver and Montréal remain Canada’s largest population magnets. Even when their percentage growth is lower than smaller centres, their total population gains are much larger because of their size.

City Portraits: Canada’s Fastest-Growing Urban Areas By Percentage

Moncton, New Brunswick

Moncton is Canada’s fastest-growing major urban area by percentage growth. Its population increased by 21.5 per cent between 2021 and 2025.

The city has become one of Atlantic Canada’s strongest newcomer destinations. It offers a lower cost of living than many larger Canadian cities, a growing service economy, bilingual advantages and access to the Atlantic Immigration Program. Its location also makes it a regional hub for transportation, logistics, retail and business services.

For newcomers, Moncton offers a smaller-city lifestyle with expanding employment opportunities. Its rapid growth, however, also puts pressure on housing, schools, health care and local infrastructure.

Calgary, Alberta

Calgary recorded one of the strongest growth performances in Canada. Its population increased by 295,770 between 2021 and 2025, a rise of 19.2 per cent.

The city combines economic scale with fast growth. Calgary remains a major energy, engineering, finance and technology centre, but it has also diversified into logistics, professional services, film, clean technology and aviation.

For immigrants, Calgary offers a large labour market, major employers, relatively high wages and access to Alberta’s provincial immigration streams. Its challenge is managing rapid growth while keeping housing and services affordable.

Kitchener-Cambridge-Waterloo, Ontario

Kitchener-Cambridge-Waterloo grew by 16.5 per cent between 2021 and 2025, making it Ontario’s fastest-growing major urban area by percentage growth.

The region is one of Canada’s strongest technology and innovation hubs. It benefits from the University of Waterloo, Wilfrid Laurier University, Conestoga College, a deep talent pool and a well-established start-up ecosystem.

For newcomers, the region offers opportunities in technology, advanced manufacturing, education, finance, health care and skilled trades. Its proximity to Toronto also makes it attractive to workers and families seeking access to the Greater Toronto Area without living in Toronto itself.

Saskatoon, Saskatchewan

Saskatoon grew by 15.3 per cent between 2021 and 2025. Its population rose from 328,256 to 378,475.

The city is Saskatchewan’s largest urban economy and a key centre for agriculture, mining, education, health care, research and technology. It is home to the University of Saskatchewan and several major research institutions.

For newcomers, Saskatoon offers a more affordable alternative to Canada’s largest metropolitan areas, while still providing a diverse labour market. Saskatchewan’s immigration programs also make the province attractive to skilled workers with job offers and in-demand experience.

Edmonton, Alberta

Edmonton added 219,983 people between 2021 and 2025, a growth rate of 14.9 per cent.

The Alberta capital has a broad public and private-sector economy. Key industries include government, health care, education, construction, energy services, logistics, manufacturing and technology.

For newcomers, Edmonton offers many of the advantages of a large city at a lower cost than Toronto or Vancouver. It also benefits from provincial government employment, post-secondary institutions and strong demand for skilled workers.

Oshawa, Ontario

Oshawa grew by 13.8 per cent between 2021 and 2025. The city added 59,912 people.

Once known mainly as an automotive manufacturing centre, Oshawa has become part of the wider Greater Toronto Area growth corridor. It now attracts families, commuters, students and workers looking for more affordable housing and access to jobs across the eastern GTA.

For newcomers, Oshawa offers access to Toronto’s labour market, Durham College, Ontario Tech University and employment in manufacturing, health care, education, logistics and construction.

Barrie, Ontario

Barrie grew by 13.7 per cent between 2021 and 2025, rising from 222,065 to 252,446 residents.

Located north of Toronto, Barrie has become a major growth centre for commuters, families and businesses. Its location near Highway 400 gives it strong links to the Greater Toronto Area, cottage country and central Ontario.

For newcomers, Barrie offers a smaller urban setting with growing demand in health care, construction, retail, education, logistics and services. Housing affordability has become more challenging, but the city remains attractive to families priced out of larger GTA markets.

Regina, Saskatchewan

Regina grew by 13.1 per cent between 2021 and 2025. Its population increased by 33,819.

As Saskatchewan’s capital, Regina has a stable labour market supported by government, agriculture, insurance, finance, education, health care and natural resources. It also has lower housing costs than many larger Canadian cities.

For immigrants, Regina can offer a practical landing point, particularly for those with job offers, provincial nomination opportunities or experience in in-demand occupations.

Halifax, Nova Scotia

Halifax grew by 13.0 per cent between 2021 and 2025, adding 62,690 people.

The city is Atlantic Canada’s largest urban centre and a major hub for universities, health care, technology, ocean industries, defence, government, finance and immigration settlement.

For newcomers, Halifax offers a larger labour market than most Atlantic Canadian cities, while retaining a coastal lifestyle and strong community identity. Its rapid population growth has increased demand for housing and public services, but it has also strengthened the city’s economic profile.

Fredericton, New Brunswick

Fredericton grew by 12.9 per cent between 2021 and 2025.

New Brunswick’s capital has a strong public-sector base, a growing technology sector and a large post-secondary presence. It is smaller than Moncton and Halifax, but its growth shows that Atlantic Canada’s population gains are not limited to one city.

For newcomers, Fredericton offers a quieter, lower-cost option with opportunities in government, education, technology, health care and services. Its bilingual and community-oriented environment may also appeal to families.

Brantford, Ontario

Brantford grew by 12.5 per cent between 2021 and 2025.

The city sits in southwestern Ontario, within reach of Hamilton, Kitchener – Waterloo and the Greater Toronto Area. It has benefited from population spillover, industrial growth and housing demand from larger nearby markets.

For newcomers, Brantford offers employment in manufacturing, logistics, food processing, health care, education and construction. Its growth also reflects the wider expansion of mid-sized Ontario cities outside the core GTA.

Peterborough, Ontario

Peterborough grew by 12.2 per cent between 2021 and 2025.

The city is located northeast of Toronto and has become increasingly attractive to families, retirees, students and remote workers. It is home to Trent University and Fleming College, and it has a growing service-based economy.

For newcomers, Peterborough offers a smaller-city lifestyle with access to education, health care, manufacturing, public services and tourism-related employment. Its growth shows how population pressure in the Greater Golden Horseshoe is extending into surrounding regions.

Ottawa – Gatineau

Ottawa – Gatineau added 159,674 people between 2021 and 2025, while the Ontario side alone added 141,419.

The national capital region has one of Canada’s most stable labour markets. Government, technology, professional services, education, health care and research all play major roles.

For newcomers, Ottawa offers strong employment prospects, bilingual opportunities, major universities and a high quality of life. Gatineau can also offer more affordable housing options and access to Quebec’s labour market and immigration system.

St. Catharines – Niagara, Ontario

St. Catharines – Niagara grew by 11.7 per cent between 2021 and 2025, adding 52,744 people.

The region benefits from its location near the U.S. border, the Greater Toronto Area and one of Canada’s best-known tourism destinations. Its economy includes tourism, agriculture, wine, education, health care, manufacturing and logistics.

For newcomers, the region offers a mix of urban and smaller-community living. It can appeal to those seeking more affordable housing than Toronto, while still staying connected to southern Ontario’s wider economy.

London, Ontario

London added 65,463 people between 2021 and 2025, a growth rate of 11.5 per cent.

The city is one of southwestern Ontario’s largest economic centres. It has major strengths in education, health care, insurance, manufacturing, food processing, technology and professional services.

For newcomers, London offers universities, colleges, hospitals, diverse neighbourhoods and a lower cost of living than Toronto. Its growth reflects its role as a major settlement and employment hub outside the Greater Toronto Area.

City Portraits: Canada’s Fastest-Growing Urban Areas By Absolute Population Increase

Toronto, Ontario

Toronto added more people than any other Canadian urban area between 2021 and 2025. Its population increased by 635,923 to reach 7,108,874.

Toronto remains Canada’s largest economic, financial, cultural and immigration hub. It attracts newcomers through jobs, universities, family networks, settlement services and its global reputation.

For immigrants, Toronto offers unmatched opportunity and diversity, but also high housing costs and intense competition. It remains a natural first choice for many newcomers, but some later move to surrounding cities for affordability.

Vancouver, British Columbia

Vancouver added 316,606 people between 2021 and 2025, the second-largest absolute increase in Canada.

The city remains one of Canada’s most international urban centres. Its economy includes technology, film, tourism, trade, education, real estate, health care and professional services.

For newcomers, Vancouver offers strong global connections, a diverse population and access to Pacific markets. Its biggest challenge remains affordability, especially housing. This has pushed growth into surrounding communities across Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley.

Montréal, Quebec

Montréal added 267,694 people between 2021 and 2025.

The city remains Quebec’s largest urban economy and one of Canada’s most important immigration destinations. It offers opportunities in technology, artificial intelligence, aerospace, video games, health care, education, finance and culture.

For newcomers, Montréal can offer a lower cost of living than Toronto or Vancouver, but French-language ability is increasingly important for long-term integration, employment and immigration pathways in Quebec.

Winnipeg, Manitoba

Winnipeg added 91,521 people between 2021 and 2025, growing by 10.6 per cent.

The Manitoba capital has a diversified economy that includes transportation, manufacturing, agriculture, food processing, health care, education, finance and public administration.

For newcomers, Winnipeg remains an important settlement destination because of its affordability, established immigrant communities and Manitoba’s provincial immigration system. The city offers a practical balance of jobs, housing and community support.

Quebec City, Quebec

Quebec City added 58,833 people between 2021 and 2025.

The provincial capital has a stable economy built around government, insurance, technology, education, tourism, health care and public services. It also offers one of Canada’s most distinctive cultural and linguistic environments.

For newcomers, Quebec City can offer safety, affordability and strong public services. French is essential for most jobs and for successful integration into daily life.

Why Fast-Growing Cities Matter For Newcomers

Population growth can signal opportunity. Fast-growing cities often need more workers, more housing, more schools, more health services and more infrastructure. That can create demand in sectors such as construction, health care, education, transportation, retail, hospitality, professional services and skilled trades.

But growth alone should not determine where a newcomer settles.

A fast-growing city may also face higher rents, tighter housing supply, pressure on doctors and schools, and more competition for jobs. Newcomers should compare population growth with labour demand, wages, licensing rules, housing costs, schools, transportation, language requirements and available settlement services.

What Newcomers Should Consider Before Choosing A City

Before choosing where to live in Canada, newcomers should consider:

• Job opportunities in their occupation
• Provincial immigration pathways
• Housing costs and rental availability
• Public transport and commuting times
• Schools, colleges and universities
• Health care access
• Climate and lifestyle
• Language requirements
• Settlement services
• Existing family or community networks

A city with strong growth can be a good sign, but the best destination depends on a newcomer’s skills, budget, family needs and immigration pathway.

What This Means If You Plan to Immigrate

If your goal is permanent residence, the shift toward smaller, fast-growing cities matters. Provincial nominee streams tied to these regions can offer a competitive route, and category-based Express Entry increasingly targets in-demand occupations found across the Prairies and Atlantic Canada. Start with our overview of 12 ways you can immigrate to Canada and the Express Entry system, and keep an eye on the Immigration Levels Plan, which now sets temporary-resident targets that will shape city growth in the years ahead.

Frequently Asked Questions